People & belonging

Our sustainability strategy places people and belonging at the forefront of everything we do, ensuring that everyone at Pāmu has the opportunity to thrive. Through initiatives that promote diversity, support leadership development, and foster a strong sense of belonging, we are building a future where our people are empowered to drive sustainable change.

A diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to the success of our sustainability journey. Pāmu is committed to creating an environment where everyone—regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background—feels they belong and can contribute to the company’s mission.

For example, we’ve introduced specific targets for increasing diversity in leadership roles. By 2025, we aim to have 40% of leadership positions occupied by women and a growing representation of Māori in key decision-making roles. Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in our recruitment practices, where we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.

As part of our sustainability goals, we’ve implemented cultural competency training across our teams, ensuring that employees from different backgrounds understand and respect one another’s cultural identities. This initiative is crucial for fostering collaboration and innovation as we address the challenges of sustainable farming.

We recognize that the future of sustainable farming depends on nurturing the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. That’s why Pāmu is dedicated to offering clear career pathways through scholarships, apprenticeships, and sharemilking opportunities, empowering individuals to develop the skills and experience needed to lead in sustainable farming.

Sustainable farming begins with ensuring that our people are healthy and safe. Pāmu has made significant investments in health and safety programs that not only comply with industry standards but go beyond to address the holistic well-being of our teams.

For example, we’ve introduced the Pāmu well-being programme, which includes mental health resources, financial literacy training, and wellness days to support the physical and mental health of our employees. As highlighted in our 2024 Integrated Report, this initiative has led to measurable improvements in employee engagement and job satisfaction, with a 15% reduction in workplace stress reported over the past year.

Beyond our farms, Pāmu is deeply committed to the communities in which we operate. Our farms collaborate with local iwi and community groups to enhance biodiversity and protect the natural environment. For example, at Kapiro Station, we work closely with local iwi on a kiwi conservation project that aims to protect this endangered species while restoring native bush areas. This partnership is a testament to our belief that sustainability is a shared responsibility.